GVSU vs. SAU

Comparable Facts

Compare Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI with Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Grand Valley State University is larger than SAU based on total student enrollment (22,011 students vs. 2,441 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grand Valley State University is located in Allendale, MI (Large Suburban setting); Spring Arbor University is in Spring Arbor, MI (Small Suburban setting).
• Grand Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Spring Arbor University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grand Valley State University 15:1; Spring Arbor University 12:1.

GVSU vs. SAU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GVSU or SAU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Grand Valley State University than SAU ($17,198 vs. $21,067).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spring Arbor University are 1% lower than at Grand Valley State University ($11,440 vs. $11,550).
• Spring Arbor University is 124.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than GVSU (about $18,874 more per year; $34,014.00 vs. $15,140.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 57.9% higher at SAU than at Grand Valley State University (about $12,466 more per year; $34,014.00 vs. $21,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Spring Arbor University than at Grand Valley State University (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Spring Arbor University students is 113.4% larger than aid received by Grand Valley State University students ($23,877 vs. $11,188).

GVSU vs. SAU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GVSU or SAU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between SAU and GVSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Spring Arbor University (1130) is 60 points higher than at GVSU (1070).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 940/1190; Spring Arbor University 1010/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GVSU - Test optional; SAU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GVSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GVSU students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at SAU (3.61).
• GVSU has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than SAU (51.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at GVSU vs. 16.5% at SAU.

GVSU vs. SAU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GVSU and SAU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Grand Valley State University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Spring Arbor University's (56%).
• Graduates from Grand Valley State University earn a median of about $2,000 more per year than SAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Spring Arbor University graduates have a $957 lower median loan debt than GVSU graduates ($24,043 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, SAU graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GVSU graduates ($248 vs. $258).
• More GVSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SAU students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 58%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.